First and foremost, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who reads this blog. I do this for myself and my love of comics, primarily. Comics have changed my life for the better since I was a child and I honestly couldn't live happily without them.
However, if I never had at least some readership, I'd have the feeling of speaking into a phone with nobody on the other end. On that note, I want to thank everyone who encourages me and helped this blog get to 70 posts! That's right! Only 30 more and I'll have hit my 100th post.
I like to think this blog is interesting, prolific and offering something worthwhile. Regardless, I'm glad I love doing it and that others seem to dig it.
With that all said, I only have two comics to review today. Next week I'll have eight. Night and day, you know?
Additionally, there's a signing at Gosh! Comics tomorrow! Come down if you're in the London area, or if you can reach it regardless. Kieron Gillen (Thor, Phonogram), Jamie McKelvie (Phonogram, Suburban Glamour) and Becky Cloonan (Demo) will be signing copies of their stuff. It's going to be sick beats.
TO THE COMICSMOBILE!
The Thanos Imperative #1 of 6.
Following on from Ignition, this is the start of Abnett/Lanning's final cosmic space opera proper.
Everything that was set up prior is furthered a bit in this issue, with The Revengers from the Cancerverse appearing to presumably wreck havoc sooner or later, and Lord Mar-Vell expressing his desire to sacrifice the Marvel Universe's avatar of death, Thanos. As a result of this sacrifice, the Cancerverse can spread through yet another universe, void of death. You see, the Cancerverse is a place where life has won. Like an overgrowing garden than is so ripe, eventually consuming all. Quite terrifyingly designed, I might add.
Many, MANY grotesque and horrifying creatures burst through the Fault and begin causing mayhem for those trying to defend themselves. Both the Shi'ar and the Kree are sustaining quite the pounding, all while the Guardians of the Galaxy are trying to stop Thanos killing Star-Lord.
It's pretty well set-up, and it's probably not going to be the most predictable series, but I hope it does the cosmic side of Marvel justice. Abnett/Lanning have done such an amazing job with these stories, it'd be a shame to see it flop. The art is nice enough; not amazing, not poor. Fairly standard, really. Though, with me, I know whose art I like/love and then I can pick out the styles of other artists. Mostly, they all just blend to me.
One pretty cool moment came when there was this gigantic explosion during the Shi'ar's battle with the Cancerversians (I shall call them this). From a distance we see none other than The Silver Surfer observing them. It was one shot, one panel, but it was EPIC. I'm so glad he's back.
The Guardians essentially agree with Thanos, finally out of his feral state, when he suggests that he be given to the Cancerverse. Heading off into the dark, grim world that threatens to greet every living being with its end, Thanos and the Guardians find themselves in deep trouble. No sooner have they arrived when Thanos collapses due to the sheer amount of lifeforce surrounding him. A bad time, too, because the Guardians are being confronted with the Cancerverse's version of The Defenders.
Just so you know how bad it is, this means they have to fight Cancerverse versions of The Hulk, Namor, Dr. Strange and Surfer. I didn't notice a counterpart for Surfer, but still. I have to give props to Hulk's art here; SO terrifying. He has a pentagram carved in his chest, glowing red eyes and Baphomet-esque horns. Really, this is what sold me on the next issue. If there's one thing I love, it's seeing how people will get out of apparantly impossible situations.
It seems to be a pretty easy jump-on point too, if you do a bit of research. I recommend it!
The Avengers: Prime #1 of 5.
I have plenty of time for Alan Davis. His art is gorgeous and has a delightfully classic feel to it, as evidenced by that cover.
This mini-series is set before The Avengers #1 that was recently release, but immediately after Siege, detailing how The Trinity (Dubbed by fans) came back together.
One thing I was looking forward to, and indeed so were many, was seeing how the tensions between the three ended up being resolved. Stark and Thor, in my opinion, had a light years-wide chasm between them after Civil War. Plus, we all know what happened between Stark and Steve Rogers around that time (See: Civil War). I was MIGHTILY pleased to see that the first thing occuring was an argument.
SO pleased.
Iron Man basically tells Thor and Captain Rogers that he won't be much help in an armour so old, but tells them that they should see his new stuff. Rogers quickly interrupts and says, more or less, "Hahaha, yeah. Erm...you caused most of this shit and therefore don't assume I'm gonna consider you responsible enough to wear armour anymore." It's epic. It causes a gigantic argument between the two, which leads into a TERRIFIC piece of poignent diaogue (Bendis nails it). Rogers says that he'll discuss Stark's status as Iron Man at a more appropriate time.
"Iron Man: Let me tell you something that I can promise is true. There will NEVER be an appropriate time to tell me than I can't have what's rightfully mine!
Captain Rogers: Well, looks who's for civil rights all of a sudden..."
It's such a brilliantly included piece because so many people had sort of felt like Stark had got away with facing the music. Although he IS allowed to remain as Iron Man, this conversation, and presumably the series, really does make me feel satisfied. Regardless, they both agree to help Thor in whatever way they can.
The Rainbow Bridge, the link between realms that is guarded by the injured Heimdall, has been significantly damaged; Thor's primary concern is fixing this.
Before anything can be done, a blast of multi-coloured light erupts and sends the three into different parts of the nine realms. Thor ends up in Vanaheim, confronted by Enchantress, where as Iron Man and Rogers end up in undisclosed realms respectively.
I really cannot wait to see how this unfolds. The art is gorgeous, the writing and concept is utterly necessary; get it. Get it especially if you are someone who wanted to know what is necessary to catch up on Siege. Well, not now, of course. Purchase it after you've caught up!
Such a promising series. Really.
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I'm still considering what I can do reviews on or talk about in between Thursday's Comics. It's difficult to decide as there's so much I'd love to review. I may do a review of the second Phonogram book, because it's more special than a get together at the Palin household (I went there, suck it).
Any other suggestions?
Anyway, that's about all you'll get from me today. I'll catch you sometime next week!
Until next time, peace.
-The Mast
